Lipid Tests

Definition

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is similar to fat. There are different types of cholesterol including:

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol

Triglycerides

Cholesterol
tests measure the levels of cholesterol in the blood. They can measure the amount of HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and your total cholesterol levels. A test called the lipid profile test may be used. This test measures the cholesterol levels plus triglycerides.
Triglycerides
are a type of fat or lipid in the blood.

Reasons for Test

This test is done to measure the levels of cholesterol in the blood. Abnormal levels of cholesterol are linked to an increased risk of plaque formation in blood vessels. This plaque formation can lead to
heart attacks
or
strokes.
The results will be used to estimate your risk of heart disease.

Possible Complications

What to Expect

Prior to Test

Steps to take before the test depend on the test you are having. For example:

Fasting lipid profile—You will need to stop eating or drinking 9-12 hours before the test. Water is allowed during this time.

Total cholesterol test and total cholesterol test with HDL measurement—You do not need to fast.

Description of Test

You will be asked to sit. An area inside your elbow will be cleaned with an antiseptic wipe. A large band will be tied around your arm. The needle will then be inserted into a vein. A tube will collect the blood from the needle. The band on your arm will be removed. Once all the blood is collected, the needle will be removed. Some gauze will be placed over the site to help stop bleeding. You may also be given a bandage to place over the site. The process takes about 5-10 minutes.

After Test

After the blood sample is collected, you may need to stay seated for 10-15 minutes. If you are lightheaded, you may need to stay seated longer. When you feel better, you can leave.

In some cases, a bit of blood may ooze from the vein beneath the skin and cause a bruise. The risk of bruising can be minimized by placing firm pressure over the puncture site. A bruise will usually resolve in a day or two.

How Long Will It Take?

A few minutes

Will It Hurt?

It may hurt slightly when the needle is inserted.

Results

Talk to your doctor about your test results. More testing may need to be done depending on your test results.

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if any of the following occurs:

You have increased redness, pain, or discharge from the blood test site.

You have severe bruising or swelling.

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

How to get your cholesterol tested. American Heart Association website. Available at:
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/SymptomsDiagnosisMonitoringofHighCholesterol/How-To-Get-Your-Cholesterol-Tested%5FUCM%5F305595%5FArticle.jsp#.VvQC8U2FMdU. Updated August 5, 2014. Accessed January 26, 2015.